Diphtheria is an upper respiratory illness caused by bacteria. Individuals with diphtheria typically suffer from a sore throat, fever and tonsil, pharynx or nasal cavity issues. It can be spread by physical contact, or breathing it in from others. It has been largely eradicated in the United States. In fact, since 1999 there have only been 2 cases reported in the United States. Click here to see the World Health Organization reported cases chart.

Tetanus Vaccine Injuries:

Often includes brachial neuritis, or shoulder and arm inflammation of the nerves, and can include general neuritis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and seizures.

Tetanusis a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle contractions, particularly in the jaw. Hence the term “lock jaw”. There is no cure for tetanus. The Centers for Disease Control reports 233 cases of tetanus from 2001 to 2008, or about 32 per year. Click here to learn more about the tetanus vaccine.